New Delhi: The country's most powerful strategic missile, Agni-V, was successfully test-fired at Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast on Saturday.

The 5,000 km-plus nuclear capable missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be launched for the first time from a canister.

The rocket will be launched from a mobile vehicle system, sources said adding that pre-mission activities were in full swing at Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast.

"The likely date for the test was decided much before the government decided to terminate his contract. Three days have been set for the launch and it is likely to happen on January 31," a senior DRDO official said.

Sources said the canister launch of the missile is a big boost to the defence forces as it gives "greater mobility and flexibility".

The indigenously developed missile Agni-V is capable of striking a range of more than 5000 km. It is about 17 meter long and 2 metres wide with launch weight of around 50 tonnes.

Unlike other missiles of indigenously built Agni series, the latest one 'AGNI-V' is the most advanced version having some new technologies incorporated with it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine.-PTI